Also Great: Liberty Tabletop Betsy Ross
*At the time of publishing, the price was $370.
Why its great: If you prefer balanced, lightweight hollow-handle knives, we recommend getting the Liberty Tabletop Betsy Ross flatware. This collection is appropriately named since its made by Sherrill Manufacturing, the last remaining domestic maker of flatware in the United States . Its expensive, especially as a five-piece place setting . However, we think its well worth the price since these utensils are such a pleasure to eat with.
One of our testers gushed over the Betsy Ross knife, saying it was perfectly balanced and lovely to hold. The thin necks and gently curved handles create an elegant silhouette. We also like the shape of the forged knife blade and bolster, which is reminiscent of the knives found in finer, more traditional sterling silver flatware sets. The fork tines are long, thin, and spaced slightly farther apart than on our main pick, an aesthetic that some people may prefer. The soup spoon bowls arent exceptionally deep but still hold a good amount of liquid. We like the slightly tapered tips of the spoons, too, which put less metal in your mouth compared with spoons that have wider, rounded tips, such as those in the other sets we recommend. We also appreciate the small makers etching, which is discreetly placed on the necks of the forks and spoons and on the blade of the knife.
What Cutco Customers Are Saying
Since Cutco knives were traditionally sold door-to-door, some chefs are quick to overlook this product however, Cutco customers are usually pleased with their knives. The blades tend to hold their sharpness, and since the company offers such a good warranty and free sharpening for the life of the knife, there seems to be little risk in purchasing these knives.
Although the average consumer may not be knowledgeable about knife production, experts say that Cutco knives are inferior because they are stamped instead of forged. Stamped knives are cut from a sheet of steel instead of being manufactured from a single piece of steel. Stamped knives are less costly to produce and are not as durable, sharp, and substantial-feeling as a forged knife.
Experts also question the quality of the 440A stainless steel that Cutco uses to manufacture its blades. Other knife companies that are at the same price point as Cutco use 440C steel. In general, 440A steel is usually used in cheaper knives.
Now that you know a bit more about Cutco, lets take a look at one of their biggest competitors, Wusthof.
Why You Should Trust Me
In researching this guide, I spoke at length with Matthew A. Roberts, co-founder and president of Sherrill Manufacturing, the last remaining domestic maker of flatware in the United States. He was kind enough to give me a tour of the Sherrill Manufacturing facility in Sherrill, New York, so that I could see how flatware is made firsthand. I also spoke to Eric Lawrence, a flatware etcher at Sherrill Manufacturing.
To understand the difference between various grades of stainless steel, I interviewed Scott Misture, PhD, a professor at the Inamori School of Engineering at Alfred University, who has a background in metallurgy.
Over the course of several months, I scoured the Internet, scrolling through hundreds and hundreds of flatware patterns. I also went to stores such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, Macys, Pottery Barn, and Williams Sonoma to look at sets in person. I spoke with retail associates at each store to find out which brands were the most popular among customers.
Also Check: What Is The Best Steak To Bbq
To Our Valued Customers
We regret that due to technical challenges caused by new regulations in Europe, we can for the time being no longer accept orders from the European Union. If you reside in the UK you can continue to order from our UK websites or shop from our locations and partners. Visit West Elm at www.westelm.co.uk and Pottery Barn Kids at www.potterybarnkids.co.uk.
Matters of consumer privacy and rights are paramount to our brands and we will continue to work diligently to make our products available to you. The pace of global regulations is hard to predict, but we have the ultimate goal of being able to offer our products everywhere.
We share your disappointment and greatly appreciate your understanding. Thank you for your patronage.
Ingredients For Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Flank steak, sliced into thin stripsMini sweet peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeded. If you don’t have that, then 2-3 bell peppers will work nicely. Red onion, thinly sliced. Again, if you only have a yellow onion or vidalia onion, that works too.Olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper, to tasteFresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped & 1 large lime, sliced
Optional:1 large avocado, diced. Try our recipe for Black bean and avocado salsa this would make a great topping! Corn tortillas or large lettuce leaves
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Steak To Buy
Kitchendao Universal Knife Block
Pro Tip: If youre using a knife block, food writer Tara Austen Weaver suggests storing your knives spine side down in the slots, which keeps the blade from resting on its edge or from coming into contact with the block as you slide it in or out. Its a tip she picked up from her Chinese-Indonesian grandmother. I love cooking at her house, everything chops like butter because the knives are so sharp, Weaver says.
Why You Should Trust Us
Ive been cooking for myself and for crowds since I left high school between that and various stints in construction and landscaping, Ive come to appreciate well-made, well-designed hand toolsincluding knives. And having wasted money on crummy, expensive knives more than once when I was younger, I have a particular regard for knives that truly justify their price .
For my own needs and as a journalist, Ive researched deeply into knife-making materials, knife design, and knife performance over the years Mark Richmond, owner of Chef Knives to Go, has been particularly helpful on several occasions. Our 2015 guide, researched and written by Wirecutter deputy editor Christine Cyr Clisset, produced a wealth of information also incorporated here. Christine gathered reviews from Americas Test Kitchen , Saveur, and Serious Eats she learned about knife styles and materials from Dexter Ewing of BLADE magazine and Howard Nourieli of Bowery Kitchen Supplies and she spoke to Rick Gresh, then the executive chef at David Burke’s Primehouse in Chicago for practical advice on steak knife performance and care.
Finally, weve now tested 15 different steak knives on 16 pounds of beef in two real-world test sessions, involving a dozen Wirecutter staffers and friends. If theres a question about steak knives, however obscure, weve asked it and found the answer.
You May Like: Stop And Shop Steak Tips
Also Great: Opinel No 125 Bon Appetit Set
Several testers diverged from the pack on steak knife aesthetics, preferring something with cleaner, modern lines instead of the traditional look. If that also describes you, the Opinel No. 125 Bon Appetit Set, which used to be called the South Spirit, is our recommendation. The Opinel blades are noticeably less sharp than the Messermeister and Wüsthof, but they still cut our tough test-steaks neatly and efficiently. The beautiful handles are made of olivewood, which, in addition to being pretty, is naturally water-resistant .
The Opinels underperform noticeably in one category: weight. At just 35 gramsbarely more than an ouncethey feel insubstantial in the hand. They also come in a simple cardboard case that wont last long in your silverware drawer youd want to store it somewhere less trafficked like a high shelf. But on looks and performance, theyre winners at the price. Lastly, if youre looking for something to brighten your table, Opinel makes a version of this knife set thats fitted with colored hornbeam-wood handles. You can also buy the knives open stock if you want to build your own set in different colors.
Similarities Between Cutco And Wusthof
Cutco and Wusthof have been perfecting the craft of knife making for decades and share many similarities. The following are the most notable similarities:
Performance: Both companies produce high-performing knives that are durable and last a lifetime.
History: Both companies have stood the test of time. Wusthof has 200 years under its belt, and Cutco has been making knives for almost 75 years.
Ergonomic Handles: Both Cutco and Wusthof offer ergonomically-designed handles made from a variety of materials.
Sharpening: Both companies offer a mail-order sharpening program at a minimal cost.
Caring and Cleaning: Both companies recommend that consumers hand wash and dry their products to keep them in tip-top shape.
Customizable: You can personalize Cutco and Wusthof knives by engraving or monogramming the blades.
Price: Even though there are many different levels of Wusthof knives, on average, Cutco and Wusthof are priced similarly. Check their current prices on Amazon .
Recommended Reading: Does Omaha Steaks Have Organic Meat
Boker 30400 Wood Magnetic Knife Block
If youre looking for a supersleek option that wont take up much counter space, this compact knife stand from Material is for you. Its available in walnut and midnight black and can hold up to eight knives using both sides. I really like the mid century-modern vibes, its clean lines, and how cool it looks in my kitchen, says Kwame Onwuachi, James Beard Awardwinning chef.
Cutcos Forever Guarantee And Forever Sharpness Guarantee
Before we get to their knives, it is important to know that Cutco offers a Forever Guarantee.
It doesnt matter if your Grandmother originally purchased your Cutco knives and then handed it down to you, or if you received the knives as a wedding gift. If you are not satisfied with the performance of your knife at any time, you can return it to the company, and a company representative will correct the problem or replace the product.
This guarantee only applies if you use the knives conventionally. If you break your knives cutting something you probably shouldnt be, Cutco will replace them for half the cost, plus taxes. Damage due to unconventional use completely voids almost every other knife makers warranty, including Wusthof.
Cutco also offers a Forever Sharpness Guarantee. Customers can send their knives and a small fee to the company, and they will return your sharp knives to you.
The fee is nominal and is required to cover shipping. To have up to 10 knives sharpened, it only costs $9. If you send more than ten but less than 26 knives to be sharpened, the fee is $11, and up to 40 knives are $13. Not too shabby for practically brand new sharp edges.
In addition to their Forever Guarantee and Forever Sharpness Guarantee, Cutco knives also come with a 15-Day Unconditional Money Back Guarantee, which allows you to return your knives for any reason and get a full refund within the first 15 days of receipt.
Recommended Reading: Steak And Shake Happy Hour
Where To Purchase A Wusthof Knife
Even though it would be a fun trip, you do not need to travel to the City of Blades to buy genuine Wusthof knives. Unlike Cutco knives, customers can purchase Wusthof products anywhere that premium kitchen products are sold, including Crate and Barrel, Williams Sonoma, and, they are also available on and SurLaTable.com.
Cutcos Three Blade Styles
Cutco offers three styles of knives blades, including Double-D Edge, Straight Edge, and Santoku. Heres what you need to know about each.
Double-D Edge
Cutcos featured style is the Double-D edge. Even though Double-D edges look serrated, this is not an accurate way to describe the design. Double-D edges are recessed. The teeth provide three sharp surfaces with which to cut, and the teeth protect the central part of the knife. One benefit of this design is that it allows the chef to cut at any angle. You may cut straight down, forward, or backward.
The Double-D edge can be sharpened but needs to be done so by the company. Cutco promises that you wont need to sharpen the Double-D knife as often as its straight-edged counterpart. Cutco makes the blades with a 440A high-carbon, stainless steel.
The Double-D Cutco knives feature an ergonomic handle that fits any sized hands. Its is appropriate for left-handed and right-handed chefs and features a fatigue-resistant design. The handles are available in a variety of colors, which can include dark brown, red or pearl white.
Users of the Double-D knives will enjoy the strength and balance that comes with having the blade extend the full length of the handle.
Straight-Edged Knives
Cutco also offers straight-edged knives that come sharpened at a 15-degree angle per side. Most kitchen knives are sharpened between 14 and 20 degrees per side, so 15 is normal.
Santoku Knives
Read Also: Reverse Seared Steak Camp Chef
Tools For Steak Fajitas Recipe
A few handy cooking tools will make this recipe quick and easy and most of them are probably already in your kitchen.
- Sheet Pan For best results, use a three-quarter sized sheet pan for this recipe instead of a smaller half-sheet pan. This will give plenty of room to spread beef and vegetables in a single layer for faster roasting.
- Baking mat also known as a Silpat which is a non-stick silicone baking mat. It’s great for roasting on baking pans and is easy clean up too. This works great for cookies too!
- Large mixing bowl Use this to toss all the ingredients in a marinade before spreading out on your baking pan. I love this mixing bowl set on Amazon, or this cute set of 2 bowls from Crate & Barrel!
- Chef Knife- a good sharp chef knife is an essential item to have for cooking. I love my Wusthof Classic 8-inch knife. It works great for all cutting tasks- especially meat!
Shinola Hotel Bed With Panel Nightstands
If you enjoy the cozy feel and design of modern hotel rooms, youre going to love this. This design, notably inspired by furnishings found in Detroits Shinola Hotel, offers functionality while providing ultimate luxury. Designed with solid white oak, this bend and nightstand panel set features ivory fabric upholstery on the headboard with corners trimmed in brown leather. The dual nightstands come with sconces that provide warm lighting with drawers on each panel. No detail was left out of this construction theres even a power outlet with USB ports to charge devices as needed.
Also Check: Whats On Philly Cheese Steak Pizza
Shinola Michigan 18 Navy Embroidered Pillow
Warm up any sofa, chaise, or bed with this embroidered throw pillow. Designed with rich hues of navy, cream, and chocolate, this geometrically designed piece will instantly add texture and minimalistic color to any space. This exclusive pillow allows you to choose between a feather-down or down alternative insert.
The Best Knife Storage Solutions For Keeping Your Blades Sharper Longer
All products featured on Bon Appétit are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
When it comes to the question of the best knife storage system, opinions run sharp. But no matter where you stake your allegianceteam knife block, magnetic bar, or drawer setupexperts agree that the most important rule of knife storage isnt about where you keep your kitchen knives but about how you prep them before putting them away. To keep your knives in tip-top shape, dont let them hang out in the sink, waiting to be washed after dinner. You should clean, dry, and store them immediately after use. My family finds this annoying, but its my one kitchen rule, says Kaumudi Marathe, senior books editor at Americas Test Kitchen. This is important for safety reasons, but it also helps prevent rust, staining, and corrosionyes, even on stainless knives. The second rule? Keep your knives out of the dishwasher, as it can damage the blades as well as the handles.
Once your knives are hand-washed and dry, you can store them in a variety of different ways to keep your blades sharper, longer. The best way to store knives depends on how much countertop and drawer space you have, how many knives you actually own, and your preferred kitchen aesthetic. Below weve rounded up some of our favorite knife storage solutions, whether you want to keep them on display or tucked away.
Don’t Miss: Omaha Steaks Advertised On Tv
Budget Pick: Gourmet Settings Windermere Flatware Collection
Why its great: The affordable Gourmet Settings Windermere Flatware Collection is perfect for when you need to pick up a few extra place settings or serving utensils for parties or large holiday dinners. This flatware is sold open stock, which means its also great for college students who need only a few utensils and not complete five-piece place settings. Its a great inexpensive option for outfitting a cabin or rental too.
The Windermere collection is noticeably more refined than some of the other sets we looked at in this price range. The knives are a comfortable in-between weightnot too heavy or too lightand the fork tines are a nice medium length. The tines are also appropriately tapered, unlike the blunt tips on the forks of some of the other cheap flatware sets we tested. And the tines are smoothly polished even on the inner edge, unlike in the Gibson Home Classic Manchester Flatware Set, whose forks have inner tines that are so rough you could file your nails on them. The spoons are slightly more circular than those of our other picks, but they still have enough depth for holding broth-based soups. The knives have ground edges and are sharp enough to cut chicken.
We also like that the Windermere collection has such a large selection of additional serving pieces . The makers branding on the back of the forks and spoons is small and inconspicuous.
